October 2017 Numismatic Legislation Review

It seems that when I write these posts about the monthly numismatic-related legislation reviews, I note how frustrating it is to follow the workings of Congress. Even though I work as a part-time political analyst and have some contacts I can leverage, even the insiders cannot explain why things happen.

Let’s look at recent legislation. Even though the House passed both the The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act (H.R. 2519) and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act (H.R. 1235) on the same day and sent both the Senate at the same time, the Senate only passed one of the bills while the other is languishing in committee.

Commemorative coin bills are not a big priority for Congress. Most of the time, they are treated as favors for one member or another, along the lines of “you help me with mine and I will help you with yours.” These are not big issues but are used to win points with constituents back home.

Although nobody is sure of the reasons why the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act is being stalled in committee, it may be because of politics and personality conflicts. Usually, when one of these bills are introduced, a version will be submitted to the House and Senate hoping one will pass. The Senate version, S. 1503 was introduced by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Sen. Warren is not a favorite amongst her colleagues on the other side of the aisle. My sources speculate that the Senate’s leadership could be using this as a future bargaining chip against some of her principled stances.

It does not matter what you think about Sen. Warren or her politics. This is the way Congress works. If you think that the Basketball Hall of Fame should have a commemorative coin to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2020, then let your senators know that you support H.R. 1235 that has already passed the House.

H.R. 965: Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park Redesignation Act

Sponsor: Rep. Ann M. Kuster (D-NH)

Introduced: February 7, 2017

Summary: This bill redesignates the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, in New Hampshire, as the “Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park.”

Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. — Feb 23, 2017

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent. — Jul 26, 2017

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 197. — Aug 25, 2017

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. — Oct 2, 2017

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. — Oct 3, 2017

Summary: This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative coins in recognition and celebration of the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.Surcharges received from the sale of these coins shall be paid to the American Legion for costs related to promoting the importance of: (1) caring for those who have served, and those who are still serving, in the Armed Forces; and (2) maintaining patriotic values, strong families, and assistance for at-risk children.

Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. — May 18, 2017

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. — Sep 25, 2017

2 Comments

It will change the funding formula and put it under the supervision if the National Park Service. Now, as a historic site, the foundation is responsible for its upkeep. The foundation is running out of money.

The law also allows the new national park to work with both the US Mint and private mints to create souvenir medals.

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